Yearning to taste a slice of the sandy heaven? Then head out to experience something amazing in French Polynesia. The destination is made up of 5 main archipelagos and is divided into 118 atolls and islands that are spread across an area of about 2,000,000 square miles. You can find some of the stunning and alluring beaches, which will satisfy your thirst for a beach vacation. In this blog, we have handpicked some of the popular beaches in French Polynesia that you can visit for a wonderful beach vacation.
Best Time to Visit French Polynesia
Around the year, one can visit French Polynesia, allowing them to experience different seasons. However, for beach lovers, the best time to visit is from May to September, when one can expect high to moderate humidity and high sunshine, which enhances the beach experience and allows for indulging in various water activities.
10 Best Beaches to Visit in French Polynesia
Get ready for a fantastic beach experience, offering alluring beaches, a stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Here are the ten best beaches that you must visit on your vacation to French Polynesia:
Matira Beach
Matira Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches around the world, is a public beach located in Bora Bora, attracting tourists with its clear water stretch and white sand. Considered as the best beach of Bora Bora and French Polynesia, you will find tourists relaxing as well as indulging in a number of different water activities.
Ta’ahiamanu Beach
Ta’ahiamanu (Mareto) is one of the best beaches in French Polynesia, located on the north side of the Opunohu Bay, accessible to the public and visited by both locals and tourists. One can relax at the white sandy stretch of the beach, take a sunbath, go swimming or enjoy snorkelling to explore marine life.
Vaiava Beach
Situated in the Puna’auia region of Tahiti, Vaiava Beach is one of the top beaches in French Polynesia, offering you pleasant beach vibes and a white sandy beach. You can indulge in different activities like sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling, allowing you to explore both the land and water environments.
Fakarava Beaches
Fakarava Beach is located in the Fakarava atoll, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where one can participate in activities like snorkelling and diving, allowing you to explore the diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs. The alluring scenery of the beach and its eco-friendly tourism help the tourists find a clean beach.
Tereia Beach
Enjoy the grand splendour and appealing charm of the Tereia beach, a remote beach. Walk over the white sand or go swimming in the shallow turquoise waters. You can also enjoy the food offered by the food trucks placed near the beach in a little piece of paradise. You can also witness a stunning mountain view and the blue lagoon from the beach.
Toaroto Beach
Toaroto Beach is said to be one of the remote beaches of French Polynesia, situated near Papeete, offering tourists a tranquil environment, surrounded by coconut and palm trees. The beach also provides you with a volcanic landscape and a splendid view of Moorea. You can spend leisure time at the beach or enjoy a refreshing swim.
Punaauia Beach
Get to experience a variety of activities at the Punaauia beach, which is renowned around French Polynesia for whale and dolphin watching. You can also engage in a wide array of activities, such as surfing, snorkelling, boating, kayaking, and many more. The beach offers a pleasant escape and a scenic view, where one can relax as well as enjoy different activities.
Lafayette Beach
Lafayette Beach, also known as Maivai Beach, is situated in Tahiti and features a striking contrast of black sand and turquoise water. You also get the options for exploring the vibrant coral reef, enjoying swimming or relaxing at the beach. It has also gained fame as a surfing destination and for enjoying the warmth of the Polynesian sun.
Tiahura Beach
Looking for a pristine beach with a large adjacent park? Visit one of the top beaches of Moorea Island, Tiahura Beach, which offers you a sandy lagoon area, coconut trees and soft sands. You get to find a rich diversity of fish and coral reefs, along with eagle rays and sea turtles. One can also indulge in various water activities or explore the surroundings of the beach.
Taharuu Beach
Taharuu beach is one of the few beaches in Tahiti that makes you audibly gasp with its natural splendour. Placed on the west coast of Tahiti Nui, this beach offers you black sand and popular attractions located nearby. One can also go surfing and swimming, making their visit more memorable.
Things to Know Before Travelling to French Polynesia
Here are a few things that you must know before travelling to French Polynesia to enjoy a fantastic beach holiday.
Culture and Language
The official language of French Polynesia is French; however, the locals are seen to speak Tahitian. Throughout your tour, you will find the amalgamation of both French and Polynesian influences present around the archipelago. You can find people greeting you with “Ia Ora Na”, meaning hello, and “Mauruuru”, meaning thank you.
Currency
The local currency of French Polynesia is the French Pacific franc (CFP), which is mainly used in making small purchases from local stores and shops around the islands. Except for local markets, you can use your credit cards for making transactions and purchases.
Tipping
There is no established tipping etiquette in French Polynesia, and it is entirely up to you to decide whether to tip at restaurants and hotels as a token of appreciation for their services.
Drinking Water
You can drink directly from the tap water in places around Bora Bora. However, it is recommended to drink bottled mineral water to avoid any risks.
Visa
UK citizens do not require any visa for a short business or tourist visit to French Polynesia and can stay up to a period of 90 days. However, one must carry a valid passport, a return ticket, necessary documents and sufficient funds.
Conclusion
Planning to spend some beach time, feeling the soothing sound of waves reaching the shore, feeling the cool touch of waves touching your feet, or the adrenaline in you shouting for thrill and adventure, then get ready to visit the beaches of French Polynesia. On your visit to the destination, make sure to check out the best beaches of French Polynesia to spend an amazing vacation.
You can check our deals and holiday packages to the French Polynesia, allowing you to save a great deal of time and effort. If you want to customise your travel itinerary to French Polynesia, then you can contact our travel expert to design an itinerary ideal for your beach holiday based on your budget and preferences.
FAQs
Which French Polynesian Island houses the best beaches?
Bora Bora is considered to have some of the best beaches in French Polynesia.
What are some of the popular beaches in French Polynesia?
Some of the popular beaches in French Polynesia are Matira Beach, Vaiava Beach, Pahaya Beach, Lafayette Beach and many more.
Which is the best time to visit French Polynesia?
The best time to visit French Polynesia is between the months of May and September, offering ideal weather for beach lovers.
